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Zheng-Zheng Bao, Ph.D.Academic Role: Associate Professor
Faculty Appointment(s) In:
Other Affiliation(s):
Axon Growth, Guidance and Regeneration
Establishment of precise neural network during embryonic development is critical for the function of the mature nervous systems. Understandings of the fundamental mechanisms involved in neuronal differentiation and connectivity can help uncover the causes of developmental neural disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, and provide important information for studies of neural regeneration and stem cell therapy. We are interested in molecular and cellular mechanisms of axon growth and guidance, key processes in the establishment of neural network. Particularly, we are interested in regulation and function of membrane trafficking and cytoskeleton organization during axon growth and guidance. We use retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axon as a model system and combine molecular, genetic and cell biology approaches. In the past several years, we have identified a number of molecules that play important roles in RGC axon pathfinding, including Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), Zic3 and Slit-1. Our recent work demonstrates that macropinocytosis-mediated membrane trafficking plays a critical role in negative guidance factor-induced repulsive axon turning. Current projects in this laboratory include: (a) Investigation of noncanonical Shh signaling pathways involved in axon growth and guidance; (b) Molecular characterization of macropinocytosis-based membrane trafficking in neuronal cells; (c) Screening of small molecules for promotion of adult nerve regeneration in mouse models of neurodegeneration.
Office: LRB #221
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55 Lake Avenue North Worcester, MA 01605